What is Service-Learning?

What is Service-Learning? The National Center for Service-Learning defines service-learning through three key characteristics:

Service-Learning constitutes activity that is focused on meeting a human need in the community where that need has to do with the well-being of individuals and/or of the environment in which they live.

Key academic and/or civic objectives to be achieved through combining service with learning have been identified prior to the activity.

Opportunities for students to reflect on their experience and its connection to specific academic/civic objectives are incorporated into the activity.

Service-Learning benefits communities by:

Providing access to faculty experts and the next generation of experts

Identifying, addressing, and solving local problems in effective, creative ways

Cultivating future generations of engaged citizens

Encouraging multi-generational and cross-cultural interactions

Establishing cooperation and collaboration as values within the local culture

Service-Learning outcomes for learners:

Learning does not necessarily come from the experience of service alone, but from reflection on and creating meaning from that experience

Service-learning can help young people grow from the natural dependence and egocentrism of childhood into mature personal interdependence and engagement in community

Young people who serve learn holistically. All functions of personality contribute to development of the self

Students learn and grow as they feel and think about service experiences (i.e., through behavior, affect and cognition). Because learning begins with behavior, students gain efficacy and self-direction

Service-learning empowers youth to become service-oriented citizens and leaders

Students who serve develop communication and leadership skills which aid in their ability to apply what they learn to the "real world"

Service-learning participation has an impact on such academic outcomes as demonstrated complexity of understanding, problem analysis, critical thinking, and cognitive development

Service-learning contributes to career development

Service-Learning outcomes for education:

Service-learning addresses many key education reform objectives

Benefits to schools include provision of valuable services and an enhanced school climate

Partnerships between schools and communities, which result in citizen and community development, enhance public relations

Service-learning can improve student satisfaction with the college

Students engaged in service-learning are more likely to graduate

Service-Learning outcomes for the community:

Service-learning contributes to community development and renewal

Recipients of service benefit from direct aid, human involvement, and personal empowerment

Agencies receive an infusion of creativity and enthusiasm from participating students

Service-learning helps students become invested in their communities as community-minded citizens

As students contribute through service to meet a community need, they are seen to be one of the community's greatest resources

Social outcomes of Service-Learning:

Service-learning has a positive effect on reducing stereotypes and facilitating cultural and racial understanding

Service-learning may subvert as well as support course goals of reducing stereotyped thinking and facilitating cultural and racial understanding

Service-learning has a positive effect on sense of social responsibility and citizenship skills

Service-learning during college has a positive effect on commitment to life-long service and volunteering

Retrieved and compiled from:

Cairn, R. & J. Kielsmeier, eds. (1995). Growing Hope: A Sourcebook on Integrating Youth Service into the School Curriculum. St Paul, MN: National Youth Leadership Council. Eyler, J., D. Giles, C. Stenson, and C. Gray. (2001). At a Glance: What We Know about the Effects of ServiceLearning on College Students, Faculty, Institutions, and Communities. Vanderbilt University.